Preparing for complexity: REACT delivers specialist training for Responders

REACT has delivered its first full Deploying into Complex Environments (DiCE) training course, preparing volunteer Responders to operate safely and effectively in some of the world's most challenging humanitarian environments.

Held from 15–18 October 2026, the four-day course followed a successful pilot in October 2025 and brought together practical skills, specialist knowledge and realistic scenarios designed to test decision-making under pressure.

Developed internally by REACT, DiCE prepares experienced volunteer Responders for the particular challenges of operating in environments affected by armed conflict, civil unrest and complex humanitarian crises.

Preparing for the realities of humanitarian response

Humanitarian emergencies are increasingly complex. In conflict-affected environments, Responders may face rapidly changing security conditions, damaged infrastructure, limited resources and situations where information is incomplete or unreliable.

Operating effectively in these circumstances requires more than technical skills. Responders must be able to recognise and assess risks, communicate clearly, work together and make informed decisions that protect themselves, their colleagues and the people they are there to support.

As REACT's International Operations Manager, Paul Taylor, explains:

“The primary driver of humanitarian need is conflict and the world is becoming an increasingly more dangerous place, we need to be ready.”

DiCE has been developed with these realities in mind, drawing on REACT's operational experience in countries including Ukraine, Myanmar and Afghanistan.